37 



give rise to the polyp-bearing twigs. The lower branches are flattened, leaf- 

 like structures, two of which almost surround the stem. Below these there 

 are a number of smaller branches with cylindrical lower and flattened upper 

 portions. A majority of the smaller branches also show a slight flattening 

 where they break uj) into the polyp-bearing twigs. 



The polyps are arranged in small groups of three to five on widely divei'gent 

 stalks, and also occiu' singly or in smaller groups on the edges of the large 

 flattened branches. They are high, measuring about 1-2 mm. in height and 09 

 mm. in breadth, double cone-.shaped and attached to the long (over 5 mm.) stalks 

 by the apex of a cone. They sit at an angle which is very variable but 

 approaches an obtuse angle, and the upper cone is incomplete. The spicules 

 are arranged in the following manner : On the lower part there are a number 

 of spicules ari'anged obliquely transversely, of which a few are strong, stout 

 thorny spindles. Then there is a ring of horizontally placed spicules three to 

 four deep, and above this rise eight points each consisting of one pair of converg- 

 ing spicules which are much larger than the lower polyp-spicules and project for 

 a variable distance according to the state of retraction of the polyp. In the 

 space between adjacent points a small spicule is always present, which lies 

 more or less parallel to the larger spicules of the point. The lower polyp- 

 spicules average about 35 mm. in length, the upper about 64 mm. On the 

 aboral surface of each tentacle there are two rows of small rod-like spicules. 



The Stiitzbundel is well developed, and consists of a number of spicules, 

 two or three of which always project beyond the polyp. The spicules may 

 reach a length of 2 '4 mm. 



Cortical spicules : {«) In the stem the spicules are long, slender spindles, 

 either curved or straight and bearing numerous regularly arranged inconspicuous 

 spines. The larger average about 37 mm. in length. 



{h) In the stalk there are spindles, clubs and numerous irregular star- 

 shaped forms, all having very prominent spines on the surface. The spindles 

 average about 0"<M mm. in length. 



Canal-wall spicules : (a) In the stem there are numerous very small 

 disc-like bodies. 



{h) In the stalk there are a few smooth flat striated spindle- to star-shaped 

 spicules and numerous very minute disc-like bodies. 



Colour — The stem, principal branches and smaller branches and twigs 

 greyish-white ; the polyp-stalks greyish-white in the lower part, yellowish in the 

 upper ; the polyps dark greyish. 



Locality : Andaman Sea, 41-55 fathoms. 



